story by Tripp Reynolds

McKENZIE, Tenn. - Faulkner (4-4, 2-2 MSC) scored a pair of unanswered touchdowns in the second half to upset 16th-ranked and unbeaten Bethel (7-1, 1-1 MSC) 24-13 here this afternoon.

Faulkner struck first when kicker Ryan Curran hit a 22-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. That would result in Faulkner's only points of the first half after turning the ball over three times in the red zone. 

Bethel's lone score before the break was on a 16-play drive boosted by four Faulkner penalties, two of which came on fourth downs. Running back Ayaunta Davis completed the drive with a 4-yard touchdown scamper.

The home team started the second half with a 50-yard drive capped by a 23-yard field goal from kicker Casey Kammerzell to put them up the Wildcats up 10-3. 

The Eagles tied the game when running back Joe Jones punched into the end zone on a 13-yard score.

Bethel added another Kammerzell field goal to the tally for its final score and lead of the outing, this one from 37 yards out.

Faulkner took the lead for good with 33 seconds left in the third quarter when quarterback Clayton Nicholas found wide receiver Terrance Sims in the back of the end zone on a 3-yard touchdown strike to put the Eagles ahead 17-13. 

Faulkner recorded its final touchdown of the game when Nicholas hooked up with wide receiver Keithon Redding on a 5-yard pass. 

Nicholas amassed 273 yards and two touchdowns through the air, while Jones lead the Eagles with 80 yards and a score on the ground. 

Wide receiver Rob Lockhart was Nicholas' favorite target, notching six catches for 109 yards. 

The Eagles defense was lead by lineman Banton Price with nine tackles. 

Linebacker Hunter Reid and defensive linemen Khalil Loewe and Lincoln Tulimasealii each had sacks, while defensive backs Josh Keys and Ayo Ashi both contributed interceptions.

Following an off week, the Eagles close out their home schedule on Saturday, Nov. 5 against Cumberland (Tenn.). Senior Day festivities will take place before the kickoff. The game is slated for 1:30 p.m. at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium.